Japanese woman in red kimono under red umbrella for a luxury escorted tour ad in Japan
Luxury escorted Japan tour ad with woman in kimono holding a red umbrella, departing Cork Airport.

100% Financial Protection

Book With Confidence

Trading since 1865

100% Irish Owned

Best Holiday Deals & Packages

Tailored Just for You

Our unrivalled travel expertise gives us the ability to craft great value, family escapes to the world's most desirable locations. Our destination specialists combine local knowledge with personalised service to make your holiday a work of art. Secure your 2026 and 2027 holidays online or with our experts today.

Barter's Group Tours 2026/27

Ocean and River Cruise Package Deals

All Package Deals

Get weekly exclusive deals!

Never miss an offer! Great deals, direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Newsletter

Get weekly exclusive deals!

Never miss an offer!

Great deals, direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Newsletter
by Leonor Resende 11 August 2026
Forget everything you think you know about cruises. Today's cruise industry is far more diverse than giant ships sailing from one sunny beach to another. In fact, there are cruises designed for almost every type of traveller. You can sip wine as you drift along Europe's most beautiful rivers, explore Antarctica alongside wildlife experts, indulge in five-star luxury at sea, or enjoy a fun-filled family holiday packed with entertainment. With so many options available, choosing the right cruise can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time cruisers. The good news? Once you understand the different types of cruises and what each offers, finding the perfect fit becomes much easier. In this blog post, we'll explore five of the most popular types of cruises, highlight some of the leading cruise brands in each category, and help you discover which style of cruising might be your next great adventure.